Category: Kissing Books

Sunshine Heroes

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 28, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. Or, if this is your first time here, I’m glad that you joined us. I’m PN Hinton, and I’ll be your guide through all things romance-related.

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Allergies are kicking my butt right now, and I hate it. At one point last Saturday, I completely lost my voice, which hasn’t happened since when I was a little girl, and it wasn’t any less frustrating now than it was then. Here’s hoping that it gets better in the coming days, because not being able to speak is just not doing it for me.

Bookish Goods

TBR Street Sign by AnchoredSoulCreate

I know a lot of readers like to separate their books from ones they’ve read to ones they’re intending to read, which, honestly, seems like the best way to go. If you’re of that mind, then this sign is a good way to set those shelves apart from all the other ones. $20

New Releases

Accidental Vows by Tina Martin

Widower Donovan’s heart is broken again when Shayla, the first woman he’s been interested in since his wife’s death, turns him down. In an effort to help her son heal, his mother suggests he take a cruise. There, he meets Kamila, who inspires Donovan to take chances he previously passed over. He’s left trying to determine if he still wants to pursue Shayla or if Kamila is destined to be his new love.

The Diamond and the Duke by Christi Caldwell

Wesley is returning from the Napoleonic Wars with physical and emotional wounds as well as a broken heart. This trifecta of pain has prompted him to take a break from Polite Society and the ton, with the exception of Ellie. While Ellie knows it is risky to befriend Wesley for multiple reasons, she can’t help but be drawn to him, finding that she has a desire to help him heal. But as friendship develops between the two, romance soon follows, which results in both of them realizing that the respective lives that they had planned for themselves may end up going down a completely different path.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Mychal the Librarian recently announced that he would be resigning from his position at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in Solano County. Now, he’s going to be a Resident Librarian for a Social Media on PBS, which isn’t a bad trade. But it is still sad for the patrons of that library, since I’m sure seeing Mychal was something a lot of patrons were looking forward to when they went to the library. I know that if I lived in that area, I would go once a week just to interact with him.

Mychal is a very sunshiny guy, and seeing him on my FYP always brought a smile to my face no matter what my mood was before starting to scroll. So, today’s recommendations are going to be books that also include sunshiny guys who make me smile and swoon.

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins

Now y’all know I couldn’t let February pass without recommending at least one from Mrs. Bev, right? Garrett is a reporter who has come to Paradise intending to interview Dr. Colton Lee for an article. But when he first comes across Colton’s sister, Spring, he’s drawn to the strong, independent woman. Due to her difficult past, Spring is a gruff loner and keeps to herself, not willing to take a risk in trusting another man for valid reasons. However, Garrett’s gentle and kind personality helps to prove to her that he is worth taking a risk at love for.

Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey

Lachlan is the Laird of the Clan MacGregor and is in search of a wife, which is why he accepts an invitation to a house party at Sherring Cross. There, he encounters Kimberly, who, at her father’s demands, is also there to find a spouse. While their initial encounter is more of a meet disaster, Kimberly finds herself drawn to the charming Scotsman. When he decides to focus said charm on wooing her, it’s only a matter of time before they find their happily ever after.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter and, if you’re so inclined, you can give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Second Chance Romance in Vegas

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 23, 2024

Sponsored by

I just finished an advanced copy of The Kiss Countdown and just adored it. Amerie and Vincent’s love story sent me over the moon (heh, pun). I can’t wait for this to be out in the world so y’all can share in the joy of it as well. It’s not scheduled to be released until April, but no worries; I’ll be sure to remind y’all when it is available.

Bookish Goods

Tropes of Romancelandia Mug by TheBookAndDagger

I just adore this mug that showcases some of Romancelandia’s favorite tropes in beautifully bound books. That, plus the extra tiara and plant, make this a perfect addition for any book dragon’s mug collection, or to be displayed on the shelf along with their books. $30.00

New Releases

The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest

After experiencing a very public and embarrassing breakup six months ago, celebrity stylist Violet has decided to focus solely on her career. When she runs into her high school sweetheart, Xavier, on a trip to Vegas, the two decide to hang out for the duration of the trip. When they wake up with rings on their fingers, they realize that they may have taken the celebration a bit too far. Then they realize that this accidental marriage could help their careers, and they decide to go along with the illusion, not expecting feelings that had been dormant for years to suddenly come back to life.

House of Crimson Hearts by Ruby Roe

When the trials to find the next heir of the city begin, hunter Red is teamed up with Octavia, the vampire who turned her sister. Even though they have every reason to hate and distrust one another, they must work through their differences in order to win. And when love comes into play, the two women realize they must overcome their distrust of one another as well as come to terms with a secret from their past that could change everything.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Nowadays, people don’t really know their neighbors all that well. While this is especially and understandably true in apartment settings, since those are designed to have a high turnover rate for renters, I think it’s even true for some people who live in houses.

I mean, sure, there are instances where that community vibe is still there, and people know and look out for one another. But, for the most part, people keep to themselves, and whether it’s good or bad is irrelevant; it’s just one of the truths that is apparent in our society.

That is why I feel the “person next door” romances are still fairly popular. Not only do you get a lovely romance with varying levels of spice, but it reminds us of that time when you could conceivably grow up next to the person or people you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with. And there’s just something about that which warms my heart, hence the theme for today’s recommendations.

The Heartbreaker Next Door by Rachel A. Smith

For years, Eric has pined for the girl next door, Emily. These feelings are reciprocated; however, having had a front-row seat to all the hearts that Eric has broken over the years, Emily has no desire to join them and has kept him at arm’s length. When a series of events leads to them being roommates in an apartment that, of course, has just one bed, Eric sees this as a chance to prove his feelings for her are real, while Emily is wondering if she should take the leap of fate to possibly find love.

Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez

When social media influencer Vanessa finds herself in custody of her half-sister’s daughter, the trajectory of her life changes drastically, and suddenly, she goes from a carefree globetrotter to an instant mom. Help comes in the unexpected form of Adrian, her next-door neighbor. And, after seeing how Adrian helps with her niece in addition to the care he shows his elderly Chihuahua, she finds herself also having to avoid falling in love with him.

The RWA recently announced they were going to be offering a workshop with one of their authors regarding how they use AI to write books. Which is a choice for sure. The information is still available on their site, but the original tweet has since been taken down. But we all know that screenshots are forever.

I’ve previously written about how Johanna Lindsey was one of my entry authors into romance, which is why I was so affected by her passing in late 2019. If you’ve never read her or are looking to jump in, this list is a good place to start.

And that’s all I have for you today! I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter. If you’re so inclined, you can also give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Comforting Romantic Rereads

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 21, 2024

Sponsored by

Last week, I took two of my besties and their daughter on a tour of two of my favorite indie bookshops in Taylor. Curio Mrvosa had recently moved, and it was amazing to see their new space. I walked away with two Judy Blume faves for myself as well as some books to give as gifts. And I was finally able to pick up the 2024 Read Challenge card from Libros Bookstore as well as a few cute stickers. It was a very good bookish weekend.

Bookish Goods

Cereal Reader Candle by BookAndReverie

I love Fruit Loops and (most) puns, which are two of the main reasons that this candle caught my eye. When you add that to the fact that I’m also in my childhood nostalgia re-read era, then it is definitely worth the mention. $22

New Releases

Bid on Love by Sharon C. Cooper

Benjamin has been burned before, and so has shifted his attention away from romance to focus on being a good single father. Mahogany has had her own rough experiences with love and isn’t looking to have her heart broken again. Despite their past hurts, when their paths cross, they end up engaging in one passionate night, knowing that they will never see each other again. However, when Ben shows up as a bidder on a project Mahogany is working on, they can’t help but wonder if this is an opportunity for both of them to find a forever love.

Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr

Ellie loves her job as a librarian, baking, and investigating mysterious things. So when she sees the enigmatic Prospero in her library one day, she can’t help but be drawn to the other woman. What she doesn’t know is that Prospero is a powerful witch from another land and has purposefully sought Ellie out to help awaken her own dormant powers to help save her homeland. Neither expected love to come from this adventure, though.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

As previously mentioned, one of the things I’m focusing on this year in my reading is rereading things that I’ve enjoyed in the past and that have brought me comfort. The last four years have been, to say the least, a drain. And the cracks are really starting to show in multiple places for me.

With that being the situation, self-care is going to be something that we all need to be mindful of to help realign ourselves. For me, that sometimes includes returning to old favorites. Today’s recommendations are some that may warrant a reread this year due to the warm feelings that both gave me.

Unlocked by Courtney Milan

Years ago, Elaine’s debut into society was ruined when she was made the target of the teasing of Evan and his cousin Diane, and unable to take the constant torment, Elaine resigned herself to the role of a spinster wallflower. When word gets out that Evan has returned, Elaine is understandably upset, figuring he would go right back to treating her the way he did before she left town. However, the older Evan is a changed man who regrets the callous way he treated Elaine and wants to make up for the past. While his apology is initially rebuffed, he persists, having realized that the feelings he has always had for Elaine are love.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

After a romantic tryst in the library is overheard by a young child at a house party, rumors are abuzz that the lovers are Charlotte and Piers. The two are only guilty of overhearing the other loves, but unless they can find out who they really are, they know they will find themselves married to avoid scandal. As the two work together, though, real feelings begin to develop. But Piers has a secret that means that he can never really marry, no matter how tempted he may be to do so.

If you’ve been looking to get into Molly Harper, these books are a good jumping-off point.

Take this quiz to find out which romantic music type you are.

And that is all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Monday, and in the meantime, you can catch me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

10 New Romance Reads for Your Beach Bag

Post author By Samm Saxby
Post date February 20, 2024

Sponsored by

This post is written by Emily Martin

As we near the end of winter and look forward to spring, it’s time to start planning our TBRs for the warmer months. And for a relaxing day at the beach, taking in some warm sun, there’s really nothing more satisfying than a romance read that’s light and happy but still makes your heart flutter.

And while everyone says not to judge a book by its cover, there’s just something aesthetically pleasing about a romance novel with bright colors and fun images against the backdrop of the sand and sea. These new must-read romance books deliver exciting, page-turning stories, fun, relatable characters, and all of your favorite romance tropes—from enemies to lovers to fake dating and everything in between. And the icing on the cake? They’re going to look so gorgeous sticking out of your beach bag as you set up in the sand on your next warm-weather vacation.

Pro-tip: you’re not going to be able to put down any of these 10 new romance reads. So you might want to pack two (or four) into your beach bag. Between the warm sand, the waves, and all the other relaxing beach sounds, you’re about to live your best beach reading life. You’re welcome!

Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

Say You’ll Be Mine is Naina Kumar’s debut romance novel about theater teacher and aspiring playwright Meghna Raman. Despite going against her parents’ wishes for her to be an engineer, Meghna’s life is going great. But then her best friend (and secret crush) Seth suddenly gets engaged and asks her to be his best man. In a desperate effort to get over the one that got away, Meghna agrees to let her parents set her up. And a fake engagement with a grumpy (but handsome) engineer seems like just the thing to help Meghna get over her crush.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

This cute YA contemporary romance follows recently graduated Riley, who spent her high school years doing her best to be the perfect, well-behaved daughter for her mom. But now that she’s growing up and moving out, she has no idea what she really wants from her life when she’s not worried about pleasing others. Looking for a way to find herself, she teams up with her best friend Tom and moves to New York for the summer to complete The Getaway List — a list of things they’ve wanted to do together since they were kids, before Tom moved away.

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Singer-songwriter Riley Wynn becomes an overnight sensation after she releases a breakup album featuring a hit single no one can get enough of. But when her ex-husband claims the song is about him, Riley is determined to set the record straight. And so she contacts her old college flame, Max Harcourt, the guy the song is really about. When Riley asks Max to go public as the real inspiration for the song, he will only agree under one condition. He wants to go on tour with her. As the two travel the country together, they begin to wonder if what was in the past shouldn’t stay in the past.

The Takeover by Cara Tanamachi

Enemies-to-lovers fans, throw this one in your beach bag immediately. Nami has always exceeded at everything. But that all changes on her 30th birthday, when her engagement shockingly ends, and her tech company is on the verge of losing funding. Worst of all, just when she asks the universe to bring her a soulmate, she is instead delivered her hate mate. Jae Lee, her old high school nemesis who beat her out for valedictorian, has plans to take over her start-up.

cover of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

This queer Victorian romance is the first in a new series from Emma R. Alban. There’s nothing debutante Beth wants less than snagging a husband, but if she doesn’t within the next year, she and her mother will be out on the streets. Meanwhile, Gwen, the daughter of an earl, is on her fourth season and is just enjoying the party, with no intentions of ever finding a spouse. So when Gwen meets Beth, she hatches up a plan to save them both: they’ll set up Gwen’s father with Beth’s mother.

Wild Life by Opal Wei

Zoey Fong has one simple goal: find a cure for cancer. But the research is not going as well as Zoey hoped, and to make matters worse, a key part of her research has accidentally ended up in the hands of a handsome stranger. All Davy Hsieh wants is to set up an animal sanctuary away from the prying eyes of other humans. He was definitely not expecting Zoey to enter into his quiet hermit bubble. And he wasn’t expecting romance.

The [Fake] Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky

Raise your hand if you love fake dating stories! (Me!) Holden James auditions for the reality television competition, Madcap Market, thinking this could be the perfect homage to his mother, who died six years ago. But now his relationship with his long-term boyfriend is on the rocks, and without a boyfriend, his time on the show might be over before it begins. Then, he meets hotel concierge Leo Min. Leo is kind and understanding and seems like the perfect person to be on the show. So maybe they can throw together a fake relationship and make this work?

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Wells Whitaker is in a rut. Once golf’s hottest rising star, now he feels like he has nothing to show for his hard work and only one remaining fan. Josephine Doyle has always believed in Wells, so when he asks her to be his caddy and split the prize money if he wins, she of course says yes. Traveling together, the two soon become inseparable. Maybe Josephine was the key to his success all along.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

Here’s another sports-themed romance you won’t want to miss. High school basketball coach Julie Parker is ready for the challenge with smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joining the team. What she wasn’t prepared for was how star-struck she would be when she meets Vanessa’s mother, former basketball star Elle Cochrane. Eventually, Julie works up the courage to ask Elle to become the assistant coach for the year. As the two grow closer and closer, Julie wonders how Elle is still single.

The Catch by Amy Lea

Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen is desperate to save her brand, which is how she finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. That’s where she meets grumpy lobster fisherman Evan Whaler. The two don’t hit it off at first, but after Evan gets in a boating accident and winds up unconscious in the hospital, Mel is mistaken as Evan’s fiancée. After meeting Evan’s fun, quirky family, Mel happily agrees to pretend to be Evan’s fiancée for a week, as long as Evan agrees to help her with her social media content.

Looking for more romance reads to bring with you on your next beach trip? Or just to your favorite reading chair? Here are some of the best beach reads of 2023, in case you missed them. Make sure you also check out Book Riot’s bimonthly podcast, When in Romance, to get all the romance novel news and book recommendations!

Kissing Books

Unexpected Weddings and a Frenemy Romance

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 16, 2024

Sponsored by

My spouse and I recently watched Shotgun Wedding, and we both ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I found it to be a decent blend of a rom-com with action and just enough campiness without going overboard, which can be a fine line to walk. It is definitely something I would recommend and re-watch.

Bookish Goods

Reader’s Coin by SchepperDesign

Finally, there’s something to help you out with that eternal decision of what to do when a book has you in it’s clutches, but you also have to function as an entire adult the next day. That said, I’m fairly confident that most of us would choose to press on, no matter what the coin flip told us to do. $20.00

New Releases

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John

Despite being high school classmates, corporate-minded Colin and yogi Shay couldn’t be more different. But when Colin has a health scare, he turns to Shay for help getting back on track, knowing that she is the best person for the job. However, the fact that there is a 90-day time limit and that they really don’t get along could prove to be an issue. As the sessions continue, though, the two begin to realize that maybe they had the wrong impression of each other all along.

At Her Service by Amy Spalding

When Max’s roommate offers to sponsor her for a new self-actualization app, Max agrees, figuring that maybe an algorithm will help her out in her Hollywood career and romantic pursuit of cute bartender Sadie. And, at first, things seem to be turning around for Max in a positive way. But when she finds out that maybe these changes were not as organic as they seemed, she realizes that she needs to take control herself and focus on being authentic in an environment that is normally anything but to be happy in her career, life, and love.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Inspired by my recent movie watch, today’s recommendations all feature weddings that happen exceedingly quickly. True, there is a double meaning to the title of the movie that doesn’t exactly align with what people normally think of when they hear “shotgun wedding.” But it still stands that this is a plot device used in many a romance, although it is true that it is more popular in historical settings than contemporary ones.

Rose and Wicked by Rebel Carter

Rose’s goals to become an independent woman include moving away from Gold Sky, heading to New York, and becoming an established costumer in a prestigious theater company there. Her plans are soon derailed when she finds herself at the center of a scandal, married to Samuel, and forced to leave the city. As the two work to adjust to their matrimonial state, Rose finds herself wondering if there is more to her husband than meets the eye and why the people of New York refer to him as “Wicked Walker.”

All I Need Is You by Johanna Lindsey

After being told she won’t be given the job of running her grandfather’s ranch, Casey runs away from home, determined to prove to her father how capable she is. On the road, she disguises herself as a bounty hunter, which is how she encounters Damian, a man from the West determined to avenge the murder of his father. When Damian discovers that the man he hired to help him is actually a woman, more complications arise, especially when the two find themselves wedded through outside forces.

Pick some rom-coms to find out if you’re a trendsetter or trend follower.

And that is all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter and in the meantime you can find me over on Instagram posting under @pns_bookish_world. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

All the Grumps!

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 14, 2024

Sponsored by

I had a great time last weekend at my library’s Romance Social! There were a few craft options, but the only one I partook in was the resin keychain, which I will enclose a photo of below. I also picked up two books by two new-to-me authors. The first was An Earl Unmasked by Rachel Ann Smith, and the second was Secrets with the Marquess by Ceilia Rene.

Bookish Goods

Book-Bish Mug by FailedScientistCafe

Is this mug more than a little sassy? Yes. Does that make me love it just a bit more? Also yes. Seriously, I may have to rethink not getting myself a new mug because this one it just too tempting. And with prices starting at $12 and four color options, there is bound to be one for everyone.

New Releases

The Catch by Amy Lea

A misunderstanding about check-in dates lands influencer Melanie at a bed and breakfast in a rural east-coast Canadian fishing village, where she meets grumpy Evan and his bubbly cousin Lucy. When a boating accident lands Evan in the hospital, Mel claims to be his fiancée to make sure he isn’t left alone. But when his feuding family arrives, the two agree to keep up the pretense for their own personal reasons. As the week passes, the two find themselves being drawn to one another while being all too aware that their city versus country personalities may prove to be too different.

The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett

In an effort to make some quick cash while adjusting to various life changes, Jesse agrees to take part in a ‘friendship study.’ When he finds himself paired up with Lulu, a woman who he recently ghosted after a hot date, it just seems to be another one of life jabs. Still, the two try to make the best of this odd situation while simultaneously ignoring the chemistry that is still very present between the two of them.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Tomorrow is “Do a Grouch a Favor Day,” which is easier said than done since grouches tend to be…well, grouchy and not always receptive to help. However, there is often a reason for the hard exterior as well as a super soft heart beneath it. Even Oscar the Grouch has affection for his friends and his pet Wormy; it is just not always obvious.

In honor of today, I’m going to be recommending some grumpy/sunshine romances since that is a steady favorite in Romancelandia, especially with this girl. Enjoy!

With Her Own Two Hands by Tasha L. Harrison

Artist Julian left Philadelphia heartbroken and robbed of the creativity that once made him stand out among his peers. He ends up with a space next to Agostina’s shop in an art studio and is drawn to the woman and her carefree nature. Agostina offers him spiritual help to help him get over the drastic changes his life has made. But Julian may need more than that type of help to get out of his slump, and Agostina may just be the woman who can give it to him, provided she can get over her own hang-ups about love.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

Former footballer Alfie has been strong-armed into selling his memoirs even though he knows he will have difficulty putting his emotions to paper. That is where ghostwriter Mable comes in, but her sunshiny nature is instantly at odds with his storm clouds. When their working relationship is mistaken for a romance though, they find themselves fake dating to appease the fans. However, soon, real feelings develop between the two of them, leaving them to wonder if there is a happily ever after in the cards for them.

I’ve actually read all the Sapphic romances here and can attest to their awesomeness.

And this list is perfect for all my mafia-loving readers.

Choose a rom-com and get your favorite hot beverage.

In addition to a picture of my new keychain, I’m going to close this out with the reminder that as of today, all Valentine’s Day goodies, be they chocolate, candy, or decorations, should, at the very least, be 50% off. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

9 Romantic Dark Academia Books

Post author By Samm Saxby
Post date February 13, 2024

Sponsored by

This post is written by Carolina Ciucci

The dark academia trend shows no signs of fading away. The term was coined in 2015 to signify a particular subculture: an intense and all-consuming passion for learning, especially classic literature and ancient languages, observed in romanticized terms.

On the surface, dark academia draws a lot on gothic architecture (bonus points if it’s universities or libraries), dusty books, early to mid-century collegiate clothing, and a uniform color palette of blacks, whites, beiges, and browns. You will not find a glimmer of pink or yellow in the wardrobe of a dark academia aficionado.

As far as books go, dark academia also draws on (very often) delightfully pretentious people who, as Book Riot writer Zoe Robertson put it, “…can’t go a sentence without citing Shakespeare and spend their free periods retreating into the shadows of their secret cult.”

Dark academia books don’t always include romance. But that’s not the case for the books included in this list: whether they’re romance novels or simply novels with romantic elements, these books put rapidly beating hearts and star-crossed lovers side by side with murderers and students of ancient Greek. As one does.

Beware, though: some of the romance in these books might make you want to take a vow of chastity. It is still, after all, dark academia.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

This YA novel is set at the prestigious Niveus Private Academy. Fellow students, Devon and Chiamaka team up in order to unveil Ace, an anonymous texter who threatens to reveal their secrets.

plain bad heroines by emily a danforth cover

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

There are few things I love more than dual timelines in books, which is why this one is right up my alley. In 1902, the Brookhants School for Girls had to close after several mysterious deaths. But now, a book about the school is set to be adapted to film, so a cast is sent to the ruins of what was once all splendor.

Cover of Never Let Me Go by Kazu Ishiguro

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Only the most special students have a place at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school in ’90s England. But what makes them special? That’s what former student Kathy, newly reunited with her former classmates Ruth and Tommy, is going to find out years later.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Magical dark academia? Yes, please. At 16, Breen finds herself joining a residential program for gifted students. There, she learns about the existence of demons, and a secret society that hunts them down called the Legendborn. She also finds out that there’s more to her mother’s death than meets the eye.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

The only thing I love as much as magical dark academia? Historical magical dark academia. Set in 1895, Gemma is sent from India to a boarding school in England after her mother dies by suicide. There, she develops visions, and discovers that she’s being followed by a young Indian man. But what does he want?

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

One of the few non-romance romantic dark academia books in this list features Oliver, a man who is getting out after ten years in prison. The man who put him there, Detective Colborne, wants to know why — and what his former classmate James has to do with it.

Half Truths by Claire Contreras

Is it truly a dark academia book without a secret society? Mae doesn’t have cause to wonder, because upon transferring colleges, she finds The Eight. This society may hold the answers she needs to learn about her missing brother and friend.

These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever

This book has been described as The Secret History meets Call Me By Your Name, in case you were wondering what you’re getting out of it. Paul meets Julian as a college freshman in the ’70s, and their bond quickly grows. But there’s a side to Julian that Paul is unprepared for.

Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri

Sometimes, the fate of an empire rests on your shoulders. Just ask Arwa, who must dig through various archives with a prince desperate to save his family in an attempt to voyage to the mysterious Realm of Ash.

Can’t get enough of dark academia? Try out 10 queer dark academia novels to obsess over, or learn whether you’d survive a dark academia novel.

Kissing Books

Celebrity Crushes and Surprise Siblings

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 9, 2024

Sponsored by

As of this writing, my happy thought is that I have some book mail headed my way! I ordered the special edition of At First Spite by Olivia Dade from Love’s Sweet Arrow last year to get the “throwback” cover ’cause the FOMO was real. And the level of excitement I felt when I got the official shipping email was unquantifiable. Regardless of whether it’s a surprise or expected, book mail always inspires joy, and we could all use more of that given the current state of the world.

Bookish Goods

Rainy Day Reads Candle by AARKAORIGINS

Even if I’m not always a fan of rainy days, I do love the sound and smell of rain. So this would be perfect for me on those days where I allow myself to be lazy and sit down and read, since the smell of this candle would make for a calming and relaxing environment. $11.00

New Releases

Sex, Lies, and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

After her father’s death, Nora is shocked to discover that she has a secret sibling. She’s even more put out to discover that all that’s been left to them is a rustic inn which they will need to have up and running by Labor Day, or else they will lose it. While renovating the inn, she meets Bear, who figures these “city girls” will give up quickly. But when he sees that Nora has more strength in her than he thought, he begins to feel things he thought he had long laid to rest.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

High school basketball coach, Julie, is starstruck when she finds out that the foster parent of her newest player is Elle, an ex-WNBA player and Julie’s celebrity crush. And, somehow, Julie has managed to convince her to be her assistant coach. In addition to helping her coach the players on the court, Elle also agrees to help Julie overcome her avoidance of dating. But of course, it isn’t too long before the friends and co-coaches find themselves developing romantic feelings for one another.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations are designed to help out those who are trying to do the Read Harder Challenge this year. To be honest, I don’t think I am going to be able to help with all of them, but I certainly can help with the prompt for reading a romance with neurodiverse characters.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Esme is given what she thinks is the opportunity of a lifetime when Khai’s mom takes her from Ho Chi Minh City to the US to be a prospective bride for the man. Khai, believing he is incapable of feeling, has no interest in this relationship, something he makes clear to Esme when she’s moved in. Soon, the close quarters lead to the two interacting more, and real feelings begin to develop. But in order for their romance to be a success, Khai first has to reconcile with the fact that he may have been wrong about his ability to feel emotions.

An Unseen Attraction by K.J. Charles

Lodging keeper Clem and tenant Rowley enjoy the quiet friendship that they’ve developed in the time since the latter started renting from the former. But when the two are trying to determine whether they want to move to a romantic relationship, the corpse of another lodger is found on the front doorstep. Soon, the two are rushing to find out who did the deed before they are the next to be murdered, while still trying to determine what comes next for them.

Pick a rom-com and find out which non-Plastics Mean Girls character you are.

And that is all I have for you this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

All the Library Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 7, 2024

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This weekend is the 16th Annual Romance Social at my local library, and I am so excited about it. The last few weeks have been, to say the very least, challenging for me. So, I desperately need the burst of serotonin that this always brings. If I manage to make a craft, I will be sure to post a picture of it so y’all can see my artistic skills, limited as they may be, in living color. In reading news, I am currently reading The Catch by Amy Lea and listening to Psyche and Eros.

Bookish Goods

Book Wyrm Enamel Pin by RatherKeen

This pin is ADORABLE! Look at how protective that little wyrm is of their book! I love it so much! And it comes in four color combinations so you can pick your favorite or get all four so that they can be the bestest of reading buddies! $10.00

New Releases

Hearts off Paws by Simone Niy

Neighbors Chanté and Evan have some other things in common, such as having recently made life-altering decisions and being dog parents. When said canines cause their paths to cross, the two find themselves drawn to one another. However, are they ready to open themselves up to possible new hurts while still going through the minefield of their already existing baggage?

Bisexual Sing Team by Renee Dahlia

Once upon a time, Sierra, Vivian, and Jess were known as the Bisexual Sing Team. Now, due to complications from the pandemic, the band was forced to stop performing and adjust to different lives. In this collection of previously published novellas, you follow each of the women in their own stories about adjusting to life and love off the stage.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

In honor of my outing this weekend and due to February, among other things, being Library Lover’s Month, here are some romances that feature the heroes known as librarians!

Her Perfect Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Impulsive is one word that almost no one would use to describe Rosa. This cautious approach to life has landed her a position as a librarian at the Queen of Peace Academy. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not without secrets—she has those aplenty. There’s her secret poetry journal and her crush on Jeremy, which, after a dance at her sister’s wedding and a sweet kiss, becomes reciprocated. But Jeremy has his own ambitious goals to meet, which may take him halfway around the world, goals that could doom the two lovebirds to a temporary fling rather than a long-term relationship.

My Reckless Valentine by Olivia Dade

Once again, free-spirited library manager Angie has managed to draw the ire of her superiors, who warn her that if they get another complaint from anyone, be they patron or administration, she will be let go. To make matters worse, she almost gets into an accident on the way home, where she runs into handsome and straight-laced Grant, which leads to a spicy encounter. When they find out that he is Angie’s new boss and part of the reason she is on her last strike, it brings complications to the affair that neither of them expected.

Pack a picnic and get the initial of your soulmate (yet another accurate result for yours truly).

Here is an article about some of the prominent romance writers and the way they are helping to further shape the genre.

And that’s all I have for y’all this week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and you can always check out what I’m posting on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Drummers, Chocolate, and Brides

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 2, 2024

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How are everyone’s reading goals going so far this year? According to Storygraph, which I recently moved to, I’ve read four books already. To be fair, those are the ones that I tracked, since I didn’t count anything in December that rolled over. I’ve only purchased one new book this year, and that was with a gift card, so I’m counting it as a gift. Additionally, I’m going to be more strict with skipping BOTM when a book doesn’t call to me instead of feeling like I have to pick one for one reason or another. And, I’ve decided that I’m going to let myself re-read this year, especially comforting reads. All in all, I feel I’m doing great with all things bookish, and I hope the same is true for you.

Bookish Goods

Book Lover Box of Chocolates by TheStepwrightInn

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and one of the go-to treats are chocolate boxes. This would be a perfect Galentine or Valentine gift, as well as a treat for yourself. Because you should also remember to give yourself gifts. $5

New Releases

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

As the daughter of an extremely overbearing mother, Kayla has been told all of her life to be quiet and not draw attention to herself. As an act of desperate rebellion, she took up the drums and found a new family in her band, the Lillys. When the band makes it big, she finds herself struggling with adjusting to the sudden stardom and finds comfort in Ty, the tour bus driver. Are these two kindred separates destined to unite, or will secrets and pressures from stardom doom their love story?

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

When Vampyre Misery is called upon by her councilman father to enter into a marriage of convenience with Were Alpha Lowe in an attempt at an alliance, she agrees. But, despite how it may look to her father, it’s not because she cares about the war one way or another; it is because she feels Lowe knows something about the disappearance of her human best friend. After the ceremony, Misery is left alone in Were territory, though, where the two find it hard to deny the attraction between them that refuses to be ignored.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today is Chocolate Fondue Day AND National Weatherperson’s Day. So, today’s recommendations are both books that can be read in honor of one of those holidays.

Sinful Chocolate by Adrianne Byrd

Charlie is a major player who has no interest in settling down with just one woman. But when he receives some startling news from his doctors, he begins to have second thoughts about the poor way he’s treated the women in his life. During this time, he meets Gisella and is taken aback by her beauty. She isn’t unaffected by him either, but between the warnings of her friends and the launch of her new shop, Sinful Chocolate, she isn’t sure she has time to enter into an affair with an alleged ex-heartbreaker.

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

When meteorologist Ari’s mentor seems too focused on her rollercoaster relationship with her ex-husband, who is also the news director of the station they work at, she isn’t sure how to get the help she needs. After a holiday party ends in disaster, she decides to team up with Russell, the station’s sports reporter, to “parent trap” their respective bosses. Soon, though, their plotting leads to feelings developing between the two of them.

And that’s all I have for you on this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.